I have $1,000 from taxes. I can either buy a 91'Z28 with an L98 (ad reads: elec. prob. won't start) or I can out the money into my 84' Z28 L69. There's a couple of catches.

1. I can only spend $1,000 (including renting dolly to bring the car back, registration, fixing the problem, etc.)

2. My L69 won't pass smog right now and I am having some problems with the engine. So the money would most likely go towards that with maybe a few mods.

3. If I buy the 91' i have to keep the 84 in the family. So I either have to find a relative that wants to buy it or keep it myself with no place to store. (wife's orders)

I know stepping up to the 350 TPI might sound like the way to go but my 84 is my daily driver and I need it to get to work and with the electrical problem on the 91 I don't know how fast I could fix it or how much it would cost.

What would you do?

 

First thing. More information.

Won't start? Do they mean "won't crank", "cranks, but won't fire", "Dead, does nothing", etc.

A few thoughts.

VATS (left me stuck 2 times). If the wires break off of the ignition switch (that is what mine did), it will go nowhere and do nothing. Measure the resistance of the key pellet, find the 2 yellow wires (24-26 gauge) running down the steering column, unplug the connector, cut it off, solder a matching resistor across the plug and plug it in. It is an easy fix.

Cranks, but won't start.

Is the fuel pump running, are the injectors firing, etc.

I'm guessing it is not a difficult fix, but I could be wrong. These cars are pretty reliable (electronically), at least as far as the starting system is concerned. I'd gather more info on the car and take a look at it.

I've spent alot of time chasing VATS problems (and just working on these cars). If I can help out, drop me a PM.

My thoughts.

 

I agree. You need to know the nature of the electrical "gremlin" before you decide he's too much trouble to deal with. GREAT deals can be found in this kind of situation, where someone who doesn't know what they're doing gets frustrated over something that's really an easy fix.


I got my T-56 in a similar situation. Bought it dirt cheap because it wouldn't go into 3rd and popped out of 4th (guy thought he had blown the gears.) I took it home and tore it down, and stuck a $16 shift fork and a set of fork pads in it. It's worked perfectly ever since (it's been almost 3 years now.) The money I saved on the trans went into a SPEC stage 3 clutch and a Ripper shifter.

 

By the way, VATS problems are easy to detect. If you twist the key and it won't start or anything at all and the "security" light on the dash is not lit up, it is a vats problem. Usually easily fixed as stated above.

 

As long as the engine turns freely I say go for it. It's still a bit risky but it sounds like a good deal.

 

i say go for the 91, keep the 84 around until you get the 91 reliable.

i didnt think 84's had to get e-tested if its 20 years old it doesnt have to where i am




why wont the 84 pass smog? is it egr bad? cat? vacume leak? ignition? air injection? egr passages clogged? running rich? pcv? burning oil?

or is it blow by like my towncar

 

Not here either. But he's in :terrible scream: C-a-l-i-f-o-r-n-i-a

I'd say pick up the 91. They look better and are faster and it sounds like a deal

All said assuming it's not a major electrical problem.